Former ABC news correspondent for “20/20″ Lynn Sherr has been invited to Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia for a lecture sponsored by the Classics and Ancient Studies Programs on Monday.
Sherr, besides being a highly successful journalist and author, has twice (1989 and 1992) been the recipient of the “Maggie” Award named for eugenist and Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger for her coverage of reproductive rights and health care issues.
Sherr also hosted PPFA’s Maggie Awards luncheon in 2010.
Harriet K. Goodheart, Assistant Vice President for University Communications at Saint Joseph’s University released this statement to the Cardinal Newman Society:
Lynn Sherr’s lecture is sponsored by the Classics and Ancient Studies Programs. According to the director of the Classics program, she will not speak as a Classics scholar but as a highly successful journalist and author who can speak to the great value of studying Classical languages, history, and culture (she was a Greek major at Wellesley College). The lecture she gave at University of New Hampshire (“Why in Heaven’s Name Are You Majoring in Greek?”) was a good model for the type of presentation she might give at SJU.
The Catholic, Jesuit identity of Saint Joseph’s University is paramount, reflected daily in the classrooms, campus life and residence halls. Saint Joseph’s is also a private, independent and comprehensive university, where academic rigor and faith come together in a full exchange of ideas. The emphasis is on a complete educational experience for every student. Saint Joseph’s is fully aware of its multiple responsibilities and remains committed to providing a forum for the expression of differing points of view. This is not done for the purpose of condoning specific behavior, but to promote an informed and compassionate understanding of contemporary issues. Further, the university supports diversity as a means of educating students about basic human differences. Social justice, like cura personalis, is deeply rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition.
Adam Wilson
CNS Staff
Matthew Archbold
Charlotte Hays
8 Comments
Are there no other classical scholors who have been successful in the media? Why not invite one who isn’t so invested in the culture of death and obviously anti-Catholic?
As a 1960 graduate of The College of the Holy Cross, and a 1964 graduate of Georgetown Law, both also being Jesuit institutions, it is very disheartening to me that any Catholic,
university, especially a Jesuit university, would invite a known abortion sympathizer to their campus for any reason whatsoever. In my opinion, until they renounce support for something as evil as the murder of innocent unborn children, people like Ms. Sherr should be “persona non gratis”!
Don’t know the context within which she will present but I’m not impressed by those who quote the classics but still don’t show, by example, how truly exceptional and brilliant this constitutional republican form of government is and how crucial the Judeo-Christian principles are to the success and prosperity of this country. Her awards suggest otherwise. As for diversity and social justice, they are terms mostly used, these days, by the progressives to front what is a Marxist philosophy. Considering this is a Jesuit school, by recent behaviors, this is mostly likely not a good teaching event from a Catholic point of view.
The quote about “compassionate understanding about contemporary issues” is laughable. Explain the word compassionate to a human fetus who is about to be aborted.
Sometimes I wish that I had never encountered the words diversity and social justice. They sound great, but are often a cover for for left wing radical thinking.
I pray for my Alma Mater that they along with the many other Jesuit Institutions who support teachings in opposition to the catholic faith receive and be open to the graces of correction.
Sadly the Jesuits, created to specifically oppose the Protestant revolution, have now become the source of heresy.
It seems that as long as a pro-abortion speaker is not speaking on a moral issue they are welcome to present at catholic colleges. Pro-abortion politician Senator Robert Menendez will be speaking at Seton Hall Univeristy but its ok because he will speak on the relationship between Jews and Chrstian.
Just because the topic that is being presented is in the interest of education in any area….it is still in direct opposition of the church to host or give a forum any speaker on its grounds who openly supports any position that is in DIRECT OPPOSITION to the basic doctrine of the Catholic Church. this has nothing to do with what is being presented. And yes there are plenty of great speakers in our country who’s fundamental beliefs are in line with their Christian faith. How about looking towards your own alumni?